Which disorder is described as alternating between depression and an overexcited state of mania?

• A. Bipolar Disorder
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Panic Disorder
• D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (A)

This item is about a mood disorder characterized by cycles of low mood and energy followed by periods of unusually high, energized, and/or irritable mood. The key idea is that mood swings move between depressive episodes and manic (or hypomanic) episodes rather than staying constant.

Bipolar disorder fits this pattern because it involves episodes of major depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Mania is an overexcited state with elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, and often risky or impulsive behavior. The presence of both depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes over time is what distinguishes bipolar disorder from other mental health conditions.

Other options don’t describe this cyclical mood pattern. Schizophrenia centers on psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and disorganized thinking. Panic disorder features sudden intense panic attacks and fear of future attacks, not a mood swing between depression and mania. Generalized anxiety disorder involves chronic excessive worry without distinct manic or depressive episodes.